High velocity fan and yoke mounting

ABSTRACT

A high velocity, weather resistant cooling fan for moving large volumes of air long distances can be disposed in either oscillating or non oscillating modes, either inside or outside. A rigid, generally tubular housing has a suitable guard defined on each end. A propeller mounted within the housing, coaxially disposed adjacent an intake venturi, is directly driven by an electric motor. The fan venturi inlet is formed by a flare defined in its housing at the intake end. A transition zone is defined within the tubular housing where the diameter of the flared end gradually reduces and smoothly merges with the uniform diameter of the housing. The propeller is mounted within the transition zone to stabilize air before discharge. A generally U-shaped yoke, rolled from welded, nested channels, pivotally mounts the fan. A stabilizer tube is preferred for sturdily mounting the yoke to a suitable post.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

I. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to high volume, electric coolingfans. More particularly, my invention relates to high volume electriccooling fans, including oscillating fans, that are used for a widevariety of applications both indoors and outdoors.

II. Description of the Prior Art

It has long been recognized in the fan arts that moving air provides aconvenient cooling effect. To practically control the effects of wind orair cooling, it is desirable to control the direction, velocity, andvolume of the air being driven.

Many prior art electrical fans were equipped with adjustable mounts thatcould be oscillated. Essentially they comprise an electric motor pivotedto a base, and a suitable linkage that is periodically activated torotate the fan. The linkage typically produces an oscillating effect,where the fan is repetitively directed back and forth over a given area.

Relatively recent fans apply a column of moving air, and use it in moreexotic and specific applications. High velocity air is used for spotcooling in many applications. In industrial applications, high velocityfans provide high velocity cooling for workers. Such fans can be used inconjunction with other machine apparatus to cool parts and machines infactories. These types of fans often include an elongated, tubularhousing enclosing multi-bladed fans driven at relatively highvelocities.

In the prior art it has been required to mount fans relatively close tothe area to be cooled because the velocity of the expelled air dropsdramatically as it leaves the fan. When expelled air leaves typicalfans, extreme turbulence generated by the fan causes the expelled air tomix with surrounding air. The intermixing of the expelled air with theambient air surrounding the fan results in a drop in volume, speed andpressure of the expelled air. This phenomena requires that the fan bemounted relatively close to the application it is to cool. It is oftendifficult to mount the fan as close as required to the application.

In order to maximize the distance in which the fan will operate, the airmust be concentrated and delivered properly for maximum effect.Concurrently, the fan must be properly mounted upon a suitablestructure. It is also desirable to prevent workers from inadvertentlycontacting the fan, to avoid both mechanical and electrical injury. Itis generally prohibited to mount fans with extension cords and otherexposed electrical wiring.

Some high velocity fans are employed on golf courses to prevent moldingof the greens during periods of still air. Some prior art golf coursefans have discharge openings which reduce velocity and spread air flowto increase turbulence in the expelled air. Known overhead fans have noventuri housing to control air flow. Most fans have no means to polarizethe flow or to reduce the rolling and twisting turbulence of theexpelled air. Thus it is desirable to provide a fan which is adapted forlong range air distribution. It is important to provide a stabilized,high volume output so that the air can be directed as easily aspossible.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

I have provided a high velocity cooling fan for moving large volumes ofair long distances. The fan is relatively easy to mount, it can bedisposed in either oscillating or non oscillating modes, and it can beemployed satisfactorily either inside or outside.

The fan comprises a rigid, generally cylindrical tubular housing havinga suitable guard defined on each end. A direct drive electrical fan ismounted within the housing, coaxially disposed adjacent an intakeventuri. The fan venturi inlet is formed from a flare defined in itshousing at the intake end.

A transition zone or point is defined within the tubular housing wherethe flared end smoothly merges with the uniform housing. Here the outerdiameter of the flared end smoothly transitions to the inner diameter ofthe body of the cylindrical housing. The fan blade is mounted in thisposition, adjacent the elongated cylindrical portion of the housing, tostabilize air before discharge. To further stabilize air discharge, themotor mount is shaped as an air foil to reduce the rolling of air. Therelatively thin, rolled shape of the construction allows a smoothintroduction of air to the static boundary layer air, while maintaininga sturdy structure.

Since many applications require different mounting styles, the fan isadapted to be mounted for oscillating work or for fixed orientations. Itmay be mounted overhead, or it may be secured to other staticstructures. To enable gimble mounting and to facilitate overhead andpost mounting, a special yoke construction is preferably employed.

The generally U-shaped yoke pivotally mounts to the fan in a balancedfashion, and it is removably coupled to opposite sides of the fanhousing. To manufacture the preferred yoke, a pair of nested channelsare mated together, with a difference in length of the channelscompensating for the difference in circumference they will assume onceeach channel is rolled into the desired semi-circular shape. The outsideportion is one-half the total section thickness, which reduces thetendency for the edge to buckle. In the interest of making a simplerolling procedure, the yoke is rolled in one pass to a one hundred andeighty degree bend. A plate extension is then added to each end to makethe remaining straight reach in the form of a separate automaticmatching produced part. The extension is welded to the open end of theformed yoke to close the end against weather. The basic design isadaptable to operate as a floor mounted fan. The floor mounted fan canbe assembled in three mounting styles with various components.

This fan can be post mounted adjustable, post mounted oscillating, treeor column mounted adjustably, tree column mounted in an oscillating ornon-oscillating fashion, or it can be beam mounted oscillating.

Thus a primary object of this invention is to provide a high velocityfan which is adapted to be mounted in a variety of different fashions.

Another important object is to provide a high velocity fan for coolingapplications that is adapted to be mounted in a variety of orientations.

Another object is to provide a fan of the character described thattotally isolates all rotating blades within a safe, protected shroud toavoid direct human contact.

Another object is to provide a fan capable of providing a high volume ofnon-turbulent cooling air.

A still further object of this invention is to provide a fan which canoscillate in desired directions and tilt appropriately.

Another object is to provide a highly reliable fan system which movesthe maximum amount of air possible through the minimum volume of fan. Itis a feature of the present invention that a direct drive fan isemployed.

Another important object is to provide a unique venturi effect thatenables the fan to project air long distances.

A still further object is to provide a fan which is readily capable ofuse either inside or outdoors.

Yet another object of my fan is provide a high velocity fan that can besuspended from a ceiling, upon a wall, or mounted upon a pole or similarsupport.

Still another object is to provide a fan which can oscillate reliably onheavy duty, replaceable bearings.

Another object is to provide a fan which can cool a plurality ofindustrial workers, to minimize the number of fans which a company mayneed for proper cooling or ventilation.

A further object is to provide a fan which creates and expels a columnof moving air as far as possible.

These and other objects and advantages of the invention, along withfeatures of novelty appurtenant thereto, will appear and become apparentin the course of the following descriptive sections.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the following drawings, which form a part of the specification andwhich are to be construed in conjunction therewith, and in which likereference numerals have been employed throughout wherever possible toindicate like parts in the various views:

FIG. 1 is a fragmentary front elevational view of the fan constructed inaccordance with the best mode of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary right side elevational view of the fan of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary rear elevational view thereof;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary longitudinal sectional view thereof, takengenerally along line 4--4 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary sectional view of the yoke and rotarycap assembly;

FIG. 6 is an exploded, fragmentary pictorial view of the preferredhousing construction;

FIG. 7 is an exploded, fragmentary pictorial view of the preferred yokeand mounting construction;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the assembled channelsaligned for yoke construction; and,

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the preferred yoke rollingstep.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

With initial reference directed to FIGS. 1-6 of the appended drawings,the best mode of my high velocity cooling fan has been generallydesignated by the reference numeral 20. Fan 20 may be mounted aboveground in a variety of fashions. Ideally it may be mounted to a suitablevertically upright post 22 or the like. The purpose of my new fan is tointake air and to output it in a controlled fashion, minimizingturbulence and rolling, and to direct cooling air as far as possiblefrom the apparatus toward the intended application.

Fan 20 preferably comprises a generally tubular housing 24 having an airintake end 25 and an air output end 26. The elongated, tubular housing24 includes a front mounted protective grill 30 (FIGS. 1, 6) and asimilar rear protective grill 32 fastened with suitable fasteners 34through spaced apart spokes 36 (FIG. 3) to the front and rear of thehousing. This prevents human contact with the preferably three-bladedpropeller assembly 40, which is disposed within the housing 24 as willhereinafter be described.

Housing 24 comprises a flared, increased diameter venturi conic ring 44,disposed at its rear end 25, which forms a venturi when air is inputtedto the apparatus. Air enters the apparatus as indicated by arrow 46 andexits as indicated by arrow 48. The venturi 44 includes a radiallydefined, angled larger diameter outer edge portion 47, which surroundsthe air intake. A transition zone 49 is defined adjacent the flared edge47 at which point the diameter of the flared portion is substantiallyreduced to that of the housing 24. This uniform housing diametercontinues to a front, circumferential reinforcing groove 50 whichsurrounds the apparatus and has a reduced diameter. Groove 50 terminatesin an inturned lip portion 58 which is secured to the front guard 30,adjacent the air output end 26.

Importantly, the propeller assembly 40 is mounted interiorly of the fanhousing 24, substantially coincident with the transition zone 49. Thepropeller assembly includes an aerodynamically prepared mounting system60 having a top 61 and a pair of lower, diverging wings 62, 63, whichare adapted to be bolted within the fan housing 24. A mounting plate 70is secured to top 61, and it includes a pair of spaced apart verticalends 72 which are rigidly fastened on opposite ends of the direct drivemotor 76 by suitable clamping mounts 77. Propeller assembly 40 includesa central hub 80 that is directly keyed to the output shaft 81 of themotor 76 to directly drive the propeller assembly 40. Preferably, hub 80mounts three outwardly extending arms 84. A blade 85 depends outwardlyfrom each of the arms 84.

In operation, air surrounding the input end 25 is sucked into the fanhousing 24 by the rotation of the blades 85. Immediately upon enteringthe housing 24, the inputted air flows past the venturi 44, thepropeller assembly 40 and the mounting system 60. Then the rotation ofthe propeller assembly 40 forces the inputted air through the housing 24and against the reduced diameter groove 50. This slight pressurizationof the airstream transforms the turbulent input stream into a polarizedor laminar output airstream. Most of the turbulent eddies or rollswithin the stream are eliminated before the air stream is expelled oroutput from the output end 26. This polarized stream of output air iscapable of traveling long distances before the surrounding ambient airbegins to intersperse with it, causing turbulence and drag.

Although the apparatus may be mounted in several fashions, the yokemounting system 90 of FIG. 7 is preferred. System 90 includes agenerally U-shaped yoke 92 which is formed from rolling first and secondelongated channel members 94 and 96. Channel member 94 (FIGS. 7-9) iswelded to channel 96, but since it will be bent inwardly, it will have ashorter diameter or length. The two channels 94, 96 are lengthwise matedtogether as in FIG. 8, and then welded. They are bent inwardly throughrolling between upper roller 102 and lower rollers 104 (FIG. 9). Throughthe rolling of the combined channels in the manner described, a rigid,dependable U-shaped yoke results. The U-shaped yoke member 92 isdisposed about roughly half of the circular circumference of the housing24.

Preferably, yoke 92 terminates in a pair of flat, upwardly extendingflanges 98, 99 (FIG. 7) that are welded in opposite ends of the yoke.Suitable brackets 100 (FIG. 6) have feet 101 which are secured throughfasteners to the mounting holes 103 on opposite sides of the housing 24.Each bracket 100 includes an orifice 109 that threadably receives theshaft 114 of a knurled fastening knob 108 (FIG. 7). Knob 108 facilitatesconvenient manual adjustments to the fan orientation. Threaded shaft 114penetrates flange orifice 115 and an aligned mounting washer 119 tosecurely fasten the yoke to bracket 100. Thus the yoke apparatus 90securely mounts the fan 20, and the housing 24 may be tilted in avariety of different directions.

Relative rotation about the axis established by the line extendingbetween orifices 115 in brackets 98, 99 allows for upward or downwardaiming of the fan about this axis. The housing 24 may thus be pivotedupwardly or downwardly. Concurrently, the housing may be twisted in aplane perpendicular to that axis, which is established by the verticalpost 22 previously described.

Preferably the yoke assembly 90 is mounted with a post assemblygenerally designated by the reference numeral 120 which couples the yokeassembly 92 to the lower supporting stanchion 22 for support (FIG. 5). Arigid, offset planar bracket 130 is welded to the bottom of yoke 92.This bracket is welded to an intermediate flange 123 and the undersideof the yoke. Bolt head 134 is captivated within it and welded to it.Rigid bolt shaft 133 projects downwardly from head 134. The yoke andbolt 133 rotate relative to the tubular cap 125 that is coaxiallypenetrated by bolt shaft 133. Cap 125 coaxially engages pipe 22.Relative rotation between pipe 22 and cap 125 is prevented by bolt 122(FIG. 3) threaded to socket 124.

A reduced diameter, inner alignment tube 141 is disposed coaxiallywithin cap 125, being welded to the cap top. Tube 141 is penetrated byshaft 133. This tube tends to align the shaft, and stabilize oscillatingmovements of the fan. Shaft 133 is coaxial with pipe 22 and cap 125. Thenut 147 is secured at the bottom of tube 141 against bolt shaft 133. Thenut 147 engages an interior bearing grommet 149 which cooperates withgrommet 151 to rotatably secure and stabilize the apparatus.

Cap 125 is coupled to an oscillator motor assembly 160 via rigid link162 and crank 163 which is driven by motor 170 (FIG. 7). Links 162 and163 are pivoted together with a nut and bolt assembly 177 (FIG. 5). Theoscillator frame 167 includes an internal drive motor 170, and frame 167is mounted to plate 171 (welded to the yoke) to form the housing.Fasteners 166 secure the apparatus. As the output shaft 180 (FIG. 5) ofthe motor 170 rotates, the crank 163 and linkage 162 rotates the yokerelative to the stationary cap 125. Hence activation of the oscillatingassembly will gently rotate the yoke 92 radially about the stanchion 22in a rocking motion to move the fan arcuately to provide a fresh airstream to a desired location.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that this invention is one welladapted to obtain all the ends and objects herein set forth, togetherwith other advantages which are inherent to the structure.

It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are ofutility and may be employed without reference to other features andsubcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of theclaims.

As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention withoutdeparting from the scope thereof, it is to be understood that all matterherein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable, high volume, directional powercooling fan comprising:an elongated, tubular, generally cylindricalhousing adapted to be aimed at a target area to be cooled, said housingcomprising an air intake end and a high velocity air output end; arotatable propeller assembly coaxially disposed within said housingadjacent said air intake end; said air intake end of said housingcomprising a flared portion separated from a main tubular body portionof the housing by a transition zone, whereby to form a venturi airinlet; wherein said propeller assembly is disposed at said transitionzone; direct drive motor means for rotating said propeller assembly;means for securing said motor means within said housing; generallyU-shaped yoke means for mounting said fan; and, oscillating means forperiodically rotating said yoke means.
 2. The power cooling fan asdefined in claim 1 further comprising means for mounting said yoke meansto a vertical post, said last mentioned mounting means comprising atubular cap adapted to be coaxially secured to said post, an alignmenttube disposed coaxially within said cap, and an axially elongated,rotatable shaft extending coaxially within said alignment tube having ahead secured to said yoke means.
 3. The power cooling fan as defined inclaim 2 wherein said yoke means is comprised of two nested channelswhich are mated to one another and thereafter rolled into asubstantially U-shaped configuration.
 4. The power cooling fan asdefined in claim 3 wherein said housing comprises a pair of sides, saidyoke means comprises a pair of sides, and said yoke means comprises aplate extension formed on each of its sides adapted to be threadablypivotally coupled to said sides of said housing.
 5. A high volume,directional power cooling fan comprising:an elongated, tubular,generally cylindrical housing adapted to be remotely disposed and aimedat a target area to be cooled, said housing comprising an air intake endand a high velocity air output end; a rotatable propeller coaxiallydisposed within said housing adjacent said air intake end; said airintake end of said housing comprising a flared portion separated from amain tubular body portion of said housing by a transition zone, saidflared portion forming a venturi air inlet; wherein said propeller isdisposed adjacent said transition zone; motor means for rotating thepropeller; mounting means for securing the motor means coaxially withinthe housing, said mounting means reducing the rolling of air; and, yokemeans for mounting the fan, said yoke means comprising two nestedchannels which are mated to one another and thereafter rolled into arigid, substantially U-shaped yoke adapted to be releasably coupled toopposite outer sides of said housing.
 6. The power cooling fan asdefined in claim 5 wherein said yoke further comprises a plate extensionformed on each side adapted to be threadably pivotally coupled to saidsides of said housing.
 7. A portable, high volume, directional powercooling fan comprising:an elongated, tubular, generally cylindricalhousing adapted to be disposed adjacent and aimed at a target area to becooled, said housing comprising an air intake end and a high velocityair output end; a rotatable propeller coaxially disposed within saidhousing adjacent said air intake end; said air intake end of saidhousing comprising a flared portion separated from a main tubular bodyportion of the housing by a transition zone, whereby to form a venturiair inlet; wherein said propeller is disposed at said transition zone;direct drive motor means for rotating the propeller; mounting means forsecuring the motor means within the housing, said mounting meansreducing the rolling of air, generally U-shaped yoke means for mountingthe fan; and, means for mounting said yoke means to a vertical post,said last mentioned mounting means comprising a tubular cap adapted tobe coaxially secured to said post, a reduced diameter alignment tubedisposed coaxially within said cap, and an axially elongated rotatablerigid bolt extending coaxially within said alignment tube having a headsecured to said yoke means.
 8. The power cooling fan as defined in claim7 wherein said yoke means comprises two nested channels which are matedto one another and thereafter rolled into a substantially U-shapedconfiguration.
 9. The power cooling fan as defined in claim 8 whereinsaid housing comprises a pair of sides, said yoke means comprises a pairof sides, and said yoke means comprises a plate extension formed on eachof its sides adapted to be threadably pivotally coupled to said sides ofsaid housing.